Monty Python Actor Teaches Geography

March 30, 2006 / 3:50 PM
/ AP

A travel book written by a former Monty Python comedian will become required reading in high school geography classes, Britain's school minister said Thursday, as the government seeks to boost interest in geography.

Palin — known for the catch phrase "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" on the cult British TV comedy series "Monty Python's Flying Circus" — has filmed seven travel documentaries, including several for the British Broadcasting Corp.

"You can travel the seas, poles and deserts and see nothing," said the 62-year-old actor-turned-world traveler. "To really understand the world, you need to get under the skin of the people and places. In other words, learn about geography. I can't imagine a subject more relevant in schools."

The announcement by School Minister Lord Adonis follows the release of a report from the government's education watchdog, the Office for Standards in Education, which said that geography was the worst-taught subject in British schools.

Inspectors said high school geography teachers focus too much on drilling facts into students, rather than sparking their interest in other countries and cultures.